Insulated floating AC/DC power pump minnow bucket

Abstract

A portable bait or minnow bucket comprises an inner bucket for holding bait designed to fit within an insulated receptacle. Two pumps, one AC and the other DC, are located in a water-proof enclosure in the receptacle. A vent tube provides air to the pumps. Upon actuation, the selected pump provides air through a nozzle in the receptacle and air bubbles rise through openings in the bottom of the bucket to aerate the water when the bucket is within the receptacle. The bucket, when removed from the receptacle, will float in the water.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A bait bucket assembly comprising: a) a bucket having a peripheral side wall and a bottom with a slightly concave center portion extending a short distance inwardly, said center portion having a plurality of openings therein;   b) floatation means attached to the side wall of said bucket at the top thereof;   c) a receptacle adapted to receive and support said bucket, said receptacle having a bottom, an exterior wall and an interior wall with insulation therebetween, said interior wall being shaped slightly larger than said bucket, the bottom of said interior wall having a recess in a center portion, said recess containing a nozzle;   d) the exterior wall of said receptacle extending a distance below the bottom of said interior wall with a bottom plate attached thereto defining a water-tight enclosure containing air pump means;   e) a source of power for said air pump means; and   f) a conduit connecting said air pump means through the openings in the bottom of said bucket to aerate the water contained therein; whereby said bucket is removable from said receptacle.   
     
     
       2. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 1 including a vent tube for providing air into said enclosure, said vent tube being located vertically along and inside the insulation of said receptacle. 
     
     
       3. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 1 in which said air pump means includes an AC power air pump and a DC powered air pump. 
     
     
       4. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 3 in which said source of power includes a source of DC power connected with said DC air pump means, said source of DC power being located within said enclosure. 
     
     
       5. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 4 in which said source of power includes a switch for connecting said source of DC power with said DC powered air pump, said switch being located on the outside of the exterior wall of said receptacle. 
     
     
       6. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 4 in which said source of power includes a plug for receiving AC power, said plug being located on the outside of the exterior wall of said receptacle. 
     
     
       7. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 1 in which said nozzle comprises a nipple with a bubble air stone located thereon. 
     
     
       8. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 1 in which said bucket has a lip attached to and extending outwardly from the top of the side wall thereof, said lip being adapted to rest on the top of the inner wall of said receptacle to provide support to said bucket when bucket is positioned within said receptacle 
     
     
       9. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 1 in which said conduit comprises an air supply line located between the interior and exterior walls of said receptacle. 
     
     
       10. A bait bucket assembly as in claim 9 and including a check valve located in the said supply line.